Southstream Seafoods introduces farmed cobia as new product

Rhode Island, U.S.A.-based seafood importer Southstream Seafoods has announced the introduction of a new product to its lineup – farmed cobia from Ecuador.

Southstream is now importing and distributing frozen cobia grown by Ecuadorian firm Ocean Fish S.A. in ocean farms off the coast of Manta, Ecuador.

“This fish is a very versatile fillet that is wonderful grilled, blackened, or fried,” Southstream said in a press release. “Cobia’s moist, white, flaky texture and sweet mild flavor is sure to be a hit across the spectrum of seafood diners. Not only is cobia tasty, it is a very healthy fish, with six times the omega as an Atlantic salmon.”

Ocean Fish launched its cobia farm and hatchery in 2015. The first of its hatchlings were moved its cages, located nine miles offshore, earlier this year, where they were grown to marketable size – about 6 lbs. each. The company said the fish are harvested and then graded, filleted and frozen at the company’s nearby processing facility “within hours of harvest.” The company sells fillets in three sizes: 5/7 oz., 7/9 oz. and 9/12 oz.

“For several years the seafood world has been looking for the next ‘Great Fish’ – it appears that wait is coming to an end. Southstream Seafood is excited to become a driving force bringing cobia to the U.S. market,” the company said.